In a shocking incident, Punjab Police personnel assaulted a serving Indian Army officer of colonel rank and his son following a parking dispute.
The victim, identified as Colonel Pushpinder Bath, is currently stationed at the Indian Army Headquarters in New Delhi.
The altercation occurred on March 13 outside a roadside eatery near Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. CCTV footage captured it. The footage has since gone viral on social media, sparking outrage.
What Happened?
The confrontation began when police personnel in civilian clothes asked Colonel Bath to move his vehicle. A verbal exchange ensued, quickly escalating into violence. The officers punched and kicked the colonel and his son before attacking them with baseball bats.
Both victims sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
Conflicting Claims
According to The Tribune, the police personnel involved were returning from an operation in which they had rescued a kidnapped seven-year-old child and shot dead an accused.
One of the officers accused of the assault alleged that Colonel Bath and his son were intoxicated and initiated the violence. “They were inebriated and attacked us first,” he claimed.
Family’s Statement
At a press conference, Colonel Bath’s wife, Jaswinder Bath, disputed the police’s version of events. She stated that while the family was eating outside their car, police personnel asked her husband to move his vehicle.
“When my husband objected to their tone, one of them punched him. Then, all of them assaulted my husband and son, leaving them injured,” she alleged.
Police Response & Investigation
Following the incident, an FIR was registered based on a statement from a nearby dhaba owner.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala, Dr. Nanak Singh, confirmed that 12 police personnel, including three inspectors, have been suspended. A departmental inquiry has been launched and is expected to conclude within 45 days.
Expressing regret over the incident, SSP Singh apologized on behalf of Punjab Police, stating, “We will conduct a thorough investigation, and justice will be served. No one will be spared.”
